Missouri University of Science and Technology, Undergraduate Advising Office

Contact Info
Undergraduate Advising
Office
106 Campus Support Facility
1201 N. State St.
Phone:573-341-4424
Fax 573-341-4152
bethw@mst.edu

Student Resources

Choosing a major:Missouri S&T engineering degree programs

Sixteen Engineering Majors
Missouri S&T offers sixteen separate engineering degree programs (majors). Many of these degree programs are grouped into departments. For example, the Material Science and Engineering Department offers two undergraduate degree programs: Ceramic Engineering and Metallurgical Engineering. In addition to the Engineering degree programs, Missouri S&T offers many non- engineering degree programs. Here’s a complete list of all majors with links to department websites.

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Resources for freshmen : academic help

There are many sources of academic help, including your instructor, your recitation instructor (for some courses), help sessions, learning centers, and study partners. Your professors will tell you how to contact them on the first day of class, and will probably include contact information in the syllabus or policy statement or policy statement or policy statement for the course. Instructors usually set aside office hours each week during which students can drop by with questions. You can e-mail or call the instructor with questions. If you are not sure how to contact your instructor, first check the syllabus or course policy statement. If you can’t find the contact information, ask your instructor before or after class or look up your instructor’s e-mail address (click directory on www.mst.edu or at the top of all Missouri S&T pages).

Your professors will tell you about the learning centers and help sessions available for individual courses. Here are some links for additional support:

LEAD Learning Centers
Academic Support Programs

TheMissouri S&T Counseling Center has some excellent advice on developing good study skills and dealing with test anxiety http://counsel.mst.edu/selfhelp/ Check the online pamphlets available on these topics, then, if you need more information, schedule a meeting with a counselor. Part of your tuition supports the counseling center, so be sure to take advantage of this resource if needed.

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How to get the most out of your academic advising!

Your academic advisor is an important resource for you during your time at Missouri S&T. We are committed to providing all students with equal access to the benefits of an education. Your academic advisor will try to help you realize your potential; to identify academic, personal and professional goals that will assist you in achieving your full potential. Your academic advisor wants to hear from you often, whether it is face to face, email, on the telephone, or just a brief note. Your success depends on a cooperative effort between you and your academic advisor.

When visiting your advisor, be prepared! Once you've scheduled a meeting with your advisor, be sure to become familiar with and utilize Joe SS for degree audits, registration, grade reports and class schedules. Think about your goals. Be able to answer questions regarding your career expectations, personal, professional and academic goals. Think about how you can strategically plan to realize those goals. You may be able to plan your extra-curricular time to help meet your goals. For example, you could do an internship, participate in research or volunteer at a local organization.

Don’t expect discussions to focus only on scheduling issues. Some of our best meetings with students are a result of students bringing a variety of questions to our attention. Come to meetings with your faculty advisor with a list of your questions and concerns. Your academic advisor serves as a guide through your academic career at Missouri S&T. You should feel free to contact your advisor with questions and concerns at anytime throughout the semester. You should view your advisor as more than someone who can help you to find answers to the nuts and bolts questions of registration. Instead, your advisor should also serve as someone that can direct you in using your time wisely, getting the most out of classes, defining your career goals, and working toward meeting those goals both academically and through extra-curricular activities.

Advisors know about university policies and procedures, so they can help students understand how to interpret the academic regulations and course catalog. Advisors also help students navigate the core curriculum, brainstorm about majors and careers, and strategize about how to get out of academic trouble (if necessary). An advisor is someone for students to come to with almost any problem, because he or she knows where on campus students can get all kinds of help.

Advisors expect students to be aware of their core and major requirements and to come to meetings with some ideas written down about classes to take each term. Advisors are also impressed when students come with a list of questions, which shows that they are interested in being in college and getting the most out of it. Students should follow up on advisor recommendations regarding visits to the Career Opportunities Center, talking to professors in their major area, and working with academic support programs.

We know that student involvement with faculty and academic advisors who offer support, encouragement and expertise will add to your success. Frequent advisor contacts helps ensure that you have current academic information and you are making optimal progress towards your educational/career goals, so please, get to know your advisor!

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Time Management

Unlike high school where teachers frequently structured your assignments and classes filled your day, in college, you will have less in-class time, more outside of class work, and a great deal of freedom and flexibility. Studies show that poor use of time, not lack of intelligence, is the leading cause of poor academic performance. Students who don't succeed either invest too little time in their studies, or invest their time in ineffective and outdated study strategies.

How to Manage Time and Set Priorities:

What Are the 3 Rules for Effective Time Management?

Don't Create Impossible Situations.Don't get trapped into doing too much. Don't try to work full time and take a full load. Don't take too many lab classes. Use time to create success, not failure. Be realistic about school. For most classes, plan to study 2 hours for every 1 hour of class. Make time your friend not your enemy. Identify your first priority classes and do whatever it takes to succeed. Drop second priority classes or reduce work hours if necessary.
Define Your Priorities Using the 3-List Method.All time management begins with planning. Use lists to set priorities, plan activities and measure progress. One approach is the 3-list method.
List #1 - The weekly calendar.
Create a weekly calendar. Make it your basic time budgeting guide. List your courses, work, study time, recreation, meals, TV, relaxation, etc. Plan to study first priority classes when you work best. Be flexible, adapt your schedule to changing needs. Keep your schedule handy and refer to it often. If it doesn't work, change it.
List #2 - The daily "Things to Do".
Write down all the things that you want to do today. Note homework due or tests or subjects you want to emphasize. Include shopping and personal calls, etc. This list is a reminder. Use it to set daily priorities and to reduce decision-making and worry. If time is tight, move items to your long-term list. Rewrite this list each morning. Use visualization to help you focus on what to do. This list is also a measure of your day-to-day success. Check off items as you finish them and praise yourself for each accomplishment.
List #3 - Goals and other things.
This can be one or two lists, a monthly list and or a long-term list. Put down your goals and things you have to do. What do you want to accomplish over the next month or year? What do you need to buy? Use this list to keep track of all your commitments. If you're worried about something, put it on this list. The purpose of this list is to develop long-term goals and to free your mind to concentrate on today.
Avoid Distractions and Lack of Focus.
Time is precious. Yet many people waste time by getting stuck in one or more of the following habits.
a.Procrastination- putting off important jobs.
b.Crises management- being overwhelmed by the current crisis. No time for routine matters.
c. Switching and floundering- lack of concentration and focus on one job.
d.Television, telephones and friends- these are all ways of avoiding work.
e.Emotional blocks- boredom, daydreaming, stress, guilt, anger and frustration reduce concentration.
f.Sickness- getting sick and blowing your schedule.

In all of these cases, the first step is to recognize the problem and resolve to improve. Use priority lists to focus attention. Try positive self-talk. To avoid distractions, find a quiet place to study, the library or a study hall. Get an answering machine.

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